Fulham boss full of praise for wonderkid

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic has described 17-year-old wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon as a “special talent” after the youngster helped guide the Cottagers to the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final.

The talented youngster scored one and assisted another, earning Fulham a 2-0 victory at Craven Cottage, and a 2-1 victory on aggregate, meaning they are just one game away from a return to the Premier League.

Ryan Sessegnon, who turns 18 in the next few days, has attracted attention from some of the biggest clubs in world football, including Paris Saint Germain and Manchester United, and it is likely that he will leave the club this summer.

However, if Fulham are able to earn promotion, they stand a much better chance of keeping hold of the man who has been tipped to be a surprise call-up to Gareth Southgate’s squad for the World Cup in Russia this summer.

It’s fair to say that Slavisa Jokanovic understands all the hype around Ryan Sessegnon. As quoted by BT Sport, he said: “This is not the first time I have spoken about him, most of the press conferences are about him. He has shown a great level of self-belief and confidence, he is a special man.”

“When the ball arrives at him in the box it normally finishes in the net. He wants to be at the top level, he wants to push himself and I am sure he will get there soon. He is 17 years old and he is special. For him to be at the level at his age is fantastic. He is focused and wants to prove himself.”

Sessegnon’s performance was so good that he received plaudits from the opposition’s manager. Gary Rowett said: “He’s a terrific talent. His shot conversion ratio is astonishing, he usually only needs one chance. He is a really unique talent.”

“He is one of the best 17-year-olds we have seen at this level for a long, long time.”